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Then in 2020/21, the payment for homes empty for more than two years would remain at double, but the rate of homes left empty for between five and 10 years and more than 10 years would rise to a 200 per cent increase, effectively tripling council tax.

Finally, in 2021/22, the council would implement a 300 per cent increase on council tax for homes which have been empty for more than 10 years, four times as much tax as the owner would pay if it was occupied.

How many empty homes are there in Reading?

The council's figures show there are currently 115 empty houses in the borough, 83 of which have been empty for between two and five years, 22 between five and 10 years and 10 empty for more than 10 years.

The report also says empty homes tend to deteriorate and can attract trouble.

It says: "A certain level of empty homes is inevitable due to housing market churn;
however, long term empty properties are more likely to deteriorate and may result in associated anti-social behaviour in an area.

"It is important to encourage homeowners to bring empty properties back into use"

"We are conscious that there are a variety of reasons why properties remain empty, but it is important to try and encourage homeowners to bring empty properties back into use particularly with the current pressure on finding housing for residents."